Bluebells

Carpets of bluebells are common in woods across Britain and are indicators of ancient woodland across much of the country. However bluebells are not just a woodland plant. They prefer moist, shady and stable conditions, so woodlands are ideal. But, in more northern and westerly parts of Britain, bluebells can also be found in all sorts of habitats, such as hedgerows or even by the sea in Cornwall! Our moist and warm Atlantic climate is so good for bluebells that, it is frequently said, we have between a quarter and half of the total world population of bluebells and the best displays.

Despite being called bluebells, the flowers can actually be white or even a mixture of the two! But, if you see pink ones you are probably looking at Spanish bluebells, as these can be much greater variety of colours. Spanish bluebells are a type of bluebell introduced as a garden plant. If you can’t tell the difference our basic guide (PDF) might help.

Whilst bluebells are perhaps our more famous spring flower, they are part of a succession of beautiful woodland flowers. The bright yellow lesser celandines are also out at the moment and you might catch the end of the delicate white wood anemones. Ramsons or wild garlic should be out soon, these have a cluster or ‘ball’ of small white flowers on a tall stalk - you definitely won’t miss the smell if there are many about!

(April 2008)